DD Lapang to now advise MDA government

Staff ReporterSHILLONG, Oct 04: The former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. DD Lapang has now been made the chief adviser of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government which is led by the National People’s Party even as it remains unclear if he has formally joined any of the state’s political parties.Dr. Lapang had parted ways with the Congress a few weeks ago after having served the party for decades. He had taken this step in protest against what he has said was a policy adopted by the Congress party to phase out senior and elderly party leaders.

Dr. Lapang was also the chief adviser to the government of Meghalaya during the Congress regime in the state.In a notification issued here on Thursday, Planning department secretary Pravin Bakshi said, “The Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to appoint DD Lapang, former chief minister as chief adviser to the government of Meghalaya with perks and facilities under category A+…”Under the category, various political appointees who were made chairmen of government bodies were entitled two grade IV staff in the office apart from other allowances as specified by the planning department.Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had earlier stated that Dr. Lapang’s departure is a big loss for the opposition Congress.Lauding the contributions made by Dr. Lapang, Conrad had also said, “…people with such a track record and whose experience and with all the knowledge can be used in so many ways.”Earlier despite efforts made by opposition leader Dr. Mukul Sangma and other party leaders, Dr. Lapang refused to withdraw his resignation.However, it is yet to be known whether the veteran political leader has joined the National People’s Party (NPP) or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is in power at the Centre.Sources however informed that Dr. Lapang had joined the NPP and very soon he will be officially welcomed into the party fold.